November Notebook: Dark and Brooding

Still waters run deep

Photo by Josh Boot on Unsplash

Hello,

November is here!

Who has mixed feeling about it?

There are some months in the year that are all singing and dancing. May springs to mind, with it’s colourful festivals and ribbons and maypole dancing and general air of showing off.

Then there are other months that have no singing and no dancing to them. None at all. November being one. As a month it’s quiet, still and dark. It doesn’t cover itself in flowers and sunshine or pretend to be anything other than what it is. It definitely won’t dance for you.

If November were a person it would be the dark, brooding one at the back of the group, quietly doing their own thing. They don’t care what you think of them. They have a mysterious vibe. Most people are too intimidated to go near them.

But as we all know, still waters run deep. And if you’re a fan of romance novels (who isn’t) you’ll know it’s always worth keeping your eye on that one.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

So what does this dark, brooding month have to offer us?

SO much.

If you’re brave enough to look it in the eye and embrace the darkness you’ll be highly rewarded.

Out in the quiet fields and woods there are eerie owl calls to listen for and starling murmurations that sweep across the sky like dark magic. There are woodsmoke-scented nights, blazing bonfires and rich folklore tales.

We spend so long trying to avoid the night and distract ourselves with the light, sometimes it’s restful just to give in and embrace it. November gives you the chance to truly sink into the dark and just rest for a little while in the shadows.

It might be dark and cold out there, but only in the dark can you clearly see the stars.

Want to give it a try?

It’s not for long anyway.

December is glimmering on the horizon like the sparkling little imp that it is, and it will call us back to all things light, bright and festive soon enough. So just for this month, I challenge you to give yourself the opportunity to turn towards the dark and see what you find.

Things to do in November

Here are a few suggestions to help you embrace the dark magic of November.

Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash

1 Take a night walk

The evenings are drawing in rapidly now that the clocks have gone back. But rather than bemoaning the fact that it now gets dark at 4pm, you could always seize the opportunity instead.

Set out just before dusk, take a flask of hot chocolate with you, make sure you’re somewhere safe and watch as night falls all around you. Watch the geese arrowing overhead, listen to the birds returning to their roost, watch the sun sink below the horizon and see the stars come out to play.

Nature goes to bed early this month and your body might need to reminder to also do the same. Being outside as night falls can help you to kick start your natural rhythm and calm down your nervous system.

And the best bit is, after all that, you’ll still be home in plenty of time for dinner and an early night.

Photo by Ansar Naib on Unsplash

2 Look for a murmuration

November marks the start of the starling murmuration season and watching a huge cloud of starlings swoop and turn together against a darkening sky seems fitting during the dark and eerie month of November.

Watching a murmuration is also an instant way to make you feel very small in the grand scheme of things, in a good way.

Take a look at this article for the best places in the UK to see them.

3 Watch a fire blaze

There’s something so innate and instinctive about the way humans are drawn to gather around a fire. At this time of year a fire feels essential.

Losing yourself in the flickering flames of a fire allows your mind to roam. If you allow your eyes to completely rest and let the heat and movement wash over instead you can slip into an almost meditative state that’s deeply peaceful.

If you don’t have a real fire at home, track down your cosiest local pub and borrow theirs instead. You’ll need to tune out the background noise, but it can be done. Candlelight also works at a pinch.

Photo by Kevin Wolf on Unsplash

4 Listen for owls

If you need a way to feel better about the dark afternoons in November, did you know this is the perfect time of year to hear owls? At this time of year you are most likely to hear Tawny Owls as you walk home at dusk, as this is when they start to look for a mate and establish territories.

A tawny owl call is spooky, eerie and deeply atmospheric. The perfect soundtrack to this dark month.

If you love all things owl-y I wrote more about Tawny Owl season here.

5 Celebrate All Souls Day

All Soul’s Day is a Christian festival to remember and honour the dead, celebrated on the 2nd November. It’s an old practice that can be found across several other cultures too, such as the Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead in Mexico, and the Celtic festival of Samhain.

Traditionally this has always been a time to remember ancestors and to pray for their souls. From saying prayers, to lighting candles and leaving food out for loved ones, many rituals revolve around acknowledging loss and helping to carve out a path to guide lost souls home.

It’s not always a comforting festival, but it is an important one. It offers a rare beat of stillness in our busy year.

And then… Remember the sun will always rise

And finally, once you’ve had enough of the dark side, allow yourself to be gently drawn back to the sun.

If you need a little guidance, my new book, The Solstice Yearbook is out now and it will guide you back to the warmth and beauty of the solar year! It’s packed with ancient rituals, festivals and ancient magic for modern life. It also has heaps of bright and warming ideas for celebrating the Winter Solstice which is coming up soon.

ps. If you’ve already been kind enough to buy a copy I would be so grateful if you could leave a review online wherever your got your copy. Every single review helps and I read them all!

Ok, that’s all for now, I hope you have a peaceful month filled with velvety darkness, peace and rest.

Now it’s over to you to share your November rituals and traditions in the Comments. I want to hear them!

I’ll see you next month for the December edition of the Monthly Notebook. The light will be back in full force as we explore Midwinter magic, eat spiced everything and celebrate the joy of the Winter Solstice.

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Until then, take care and rest well,

Vicky xx

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